This project encompassed a remodel and a small addition to an existing two-story family home in San Francisco’s Cow Hollow neighborhood. Originally designed in 1917 by architect Elizabeth Austin – one of a small handful of American women architects working in the early 20th century. – it was an honor to be tasked with protecting her vision while ushering the residence into a new époque.
As a historically significant building, it is protected under a landmark preservation scheme which demanded special planning review. The team meticulously restored the facade (during the construction process, every piece of external ornament was removed, labelled and reinstated) and conceiving a series of thoughtful interventions and additions that would enrich the existing.
Inside, we reimagined the layout to facilitate a more contemporary way of life for our clients. As well as converting existing crawl space to habitable square footage and making additions at the first and second levels, we completely opened up the central part of the U-shaped plan. Here, we removed most of the second floor, creating a double height dining space at the heart of the home.
Bio Mark English, AIA, founded his practice in 1992. A Bay Area native, he offers a designer’s sense of artistry supported by practical knowledge gained from years of direct hands-on building experience. The practice is built on providing design that is sustainable because it is sensible and flexible, built to last.
Mark earned a bachelor of architecture degree at California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, and a master of architecture degree at the Syracuse University campus in Florence, Italy.
